Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Stew Recipe
Why will you love this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Stew recipe? First off, it’s incredibly easy to prepare! With minimal hands-on time, you’ll get to enjoy a delicious, hearty meal without the fuss.
I love how the slow cooker does all the work while I get to savor the aromas filling my kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful tomatoes, and savory olives just makes my taste buds dance.
Plus, it’s healthy and comforting, perfect for any day of the week. You can even freeze it for later, making it a fantastic meal prep option.
Trust me, once you try this stew, it’ll become a staple in your home, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean right to your table!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Stew
When it comes to whipping up a comforting meal, the ingredients for the Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Stew are simple yet flavorful. You’ll find that this recipe isn’t only easy to assemble but also packs a punch with its Mediterranean flair.
Imagine tender chicken mingling with juicy tomatoes, savory olives, and delightful artichokes—all while you kick back and let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting. It’s like a mini vacation for your taste buds, right in your own kitchen.
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this delicious stew:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 4 skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 29 ounces tomatoes with onion and garlic
- 14 ounces artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 6 ounces black olives, drained
- 10 ounces couscous, prepared according to directions
Now, let’s chat about these ingredients for a moment. First off, you can totally customize the veggies based on what you have in your fridge or what’s in season.
Zucchini, bell peppers, or even some spinach could be great additions. And if you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some feta cheese right before serving for that extra tang.
Just remember, the beauty of cooking is having fun and making the dish your own. Who knows, you might just stumble upon a new favorite twist!
How to Make Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Stew
Alright, let’s plunge into making this delightful Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Stew. First things first, grab your trusty skillet and heat up 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
While that’s warming up, let’s season those 4 skinless chicken breasts. Sprinkle them with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and 2 teaspoons of dried oregano. Now, if you’re like me, you might end up with a bit more oregano on the counter than on the chicken. No worries, it just adds to the rustic charm of cooking, right?
Once your oil is shimmering, brown the seasoned chicken in the skillet for about 8 minutes, turning it once to get that nice golden color on both sides. You want it to look like it could star in a cooking magazine.
After that, drain any excess oil and let the chicken cool a bit. Now, here comes the fun part—grab a zip-top bag and toss in the 29 ounces of tomatoes with onion and garlic and the 14 ounces of artichoke hearts (make sure they’re drained and quartered).
Next, add your chicken to another zip-top bag. You could pretend you’re a professional chef prepping for a cooking show, but let’s be real; we’re just trying to stay organized in the kitchen.
Once everything is bagged up, stick both bags in a larger freezer bag and freeze them until you’re ready to make your stew. When you’re ready to cook, just thaw those bags out.
Place the chicken in your slow cooker, pour the tomato and artichoke mixture right on top, and let it cook on low for about 4 hours. The aroma will have your neighbors wondering what’s cooking in your kitchen.
About 30 minutes before it’s done, stir in the 6 ounces of drained black olives. When it’s all said and done, serve this hearty stew over 10 ounces of prepared couscous.
It’s like a Mediterranean hug in a bowl, and trust me, you’re going to want to savor every bite. Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Stew Substitutions & Variations
While the Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Stew is delicious as is, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try to make it your own.
For instance, if you’re not a fan of chicken, feel free to use turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. I often swap out black olives for green ones or add capers for an extra briny kick.
You can also experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of oregano. If you’re looking to boost the veggies, adding bell peppers or zucchini works beautifully.
And, for a twist, try serving it with quinoa instead of couscous. These little changes can elevate the dish and keep it exciting!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Stew
Serving Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Stew can be a delightful experience, as it pairs wonderfully with various sides that complement its rich flavors.
I love serving it over fluffy couscous, which absorbs the savory sauce beautifully. A fresh Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta adds a crisp, invigorating contrast.
If you’re in the mood for something warm, garlic bread or crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up every drop of that delicious stew.
I also enjoy a side of roasted vegetables, like zucchini and bell peppers, that bring color and added nutrition to the table.
Finally, a light drizzle of balsamic glaze over the salad or veggies can elevate the meal even further. Enjoy your feast!
Additional Tips & Notes
To enhance your Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Stew, consider marinating the chicken overnight in the spices and olive oil for deeper flavor infusion.
I’ve found that using fresh herbs instead of dried can elevate the dish even further, so feel free to experiment!
If you want to add some extra veggies, bell peppers or zucchini can be a great addition.
Also, don’t skip draining the artichoke hearts and olives; it prevents excess liquid from watering down your stew.
When serving, I like to sprinkle some feta cheese on top for a delightful tang.
Finally, this stew keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make a larger batch! Enjoy!